Chateau Montelena

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.129 ratings
9.01 pro ratings
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Andrew Lohse

Rich cassis

Rich cassis

Dec 6th, 2018
Zachary Price

A surprised and welcomed pour from a close friend. Chateau Montelena was the first Napa winery I ever visited back in 2014, located up in Calistoga at the north end of Napa Valley. Montelena, along with Chalone, have been immortalized by their involvement in the 1975 Judgement of Paris, effectively opening the world's eyes up to California wine. Great estate, great wines, period. ~$55 | #chateaumontelena #cabernetsauvignon #calistoga

On the eyes: Clear, deep purplish garnet, med stain, med tears, no gas/floc.

On the nose: Plum, black currents, floral and slightly herbaceous, pressed meats, slate, med alcohol.

On the tongue: med alcohol, med acid, med tannins that are still stiff. Juicy and round, violets, plums, dark unripe berries, a bit earthy and clean finish. Drinks like any fine Bordeaux, but could use a few more years to open up those tannins.

A surprised and welcomed pour from a close friend. Chateau Montelena was the first Napa winery I ever visited back in 2014, located up in Calistoga at the north end of Napa Valley. Montelena, along with Chalone, have been immortalized by their involvement in the 1975 Judgement of Paris, effectively opening the world's eyes up to California wine. Great estate, great wines, period. ~$55 | #chateaumontelena #cabernetsauvignon #calistoga

On the eyes: Clear, deep purplish garnet, med stain, med tears, no gas/floc.

On the nose: Plum, black currents, floral and slightly herbaceous, pressed meats, slate, med alcohol.

On the tongue: med alcohol, med acid, med tannins that are still stiff. Juicy and round, violets, plums, dark unripe berries, a bit earthy and clean finish. Drinks like any fine Bordeaux, but could use a few more years to open up those tannins.

1 person found it helpfulJun 9th, 2016
Sergey

Balanced. Soft red fruit and peppery notes on the nose along with ripe cherry and tar on the palate. Soft for a Napa Cab, good French style

Balanced. Soft red fruit and peppery notes on the nose along with ripe cherry and tar on the palate. Soft for a Napa Cab, good French style

Nov 25th, 2022
Philip Dobrin

1982 centennial edition bottle. Excellent wine. Didn’t snap a photo of bottle unfortunately

1982 centennial edition bottle. Excellent wine. Didn’t snap a photo of bottle unfortunately

Apr 10th, 2020
Jason Orr

Balanced. Soft red fruit and peppery notes on the nose along with ripe cherry and tar on the palate. Soft for a Napa Cab, good French style

Balanced. Soft red fruit and peppery notes on the nose along with ripe cherry and tar on the palate. Soft for a Napa Cab, good French style

May 27th, 2019
Toni Cruz

Velvety and rich flavors. Light fruit after taste.

Velvety and rich flavors. Light fruit after taste.

Apr 21st, 2019
John Hannah

Great cab with smooth finish

Great cab with smooth finish

Apr 19th, 2019
D Bender

Exquisite. Plush fruit with perfect development into tobacco and dried fruits. Tannins and fruit harmonious with life still yet to live on. 17 years old with another 5 years of positive evolution to go.

Exquisite. Plush fruit with perfect development into tobacco and dried fruits. Tannins and fruit harmonious with life still yet to live on. 17 years old with another 5 years of positive evolution to go.

Feb 25th, 2018
Narelle Burke

A gorgeous cab sav for a change, almost as good as a Shiraz!

A gorgeous cab sav for a change, almost as good as a Shiraz!

Feb 3rd, 2017
Laura Pierce

Berry, jam, pleasant oak.

Berry, jam, pleasant oak.

Nov 27th, 2016